- RE: Has anyone build mirror image Paramount?... - meljackson 08:47:22 10/15/07
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- In Reply to: RE: Has anyone build mirror image Paramount?... posted by adinoto on October 13, 2007 at 22:12:10
I agree with Gary - take it slow, measure twice, cut once. The only minor issue I remember was needing to disassemble the potentiometer casing to reverse the locating pin position.
Hope the picture helps and enjoy....
I also loaded a couple of other shots onto Fickr (if link below does not work search for "Paramount - mirrored")
Mel
- Re: Thoughts on Mirror Image Amps - Air 14:30:42 10/14/07
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- In Reply to: RE: Has anyone build mirror image Paramount?... posted by adinoto on October 13, 2007 at 22:12:10
I started building my mirror image Parabee's by making a tracing of the top plate onto a piece of paper. Drew in the components and the terminal strips adding the numbers for clarity. Starting with the standard (right) amp I drew the wiring on paper as I built the amp. Before starting the second amp I flipped the top plate over and traced the layout again on paper. Even flipped the second amp was easier and quicker to build. I still have those layout pages in my Parabee binder, each clearly labeled Left or Right. The original paper manual is in the front Pocket of the binder, my build notes as well as anything printed out from the forum about mods, problems or suggestions, especially if PJ or Doc wrote it. I have a section for changes made and what I thought of them. Like when I miswired the change to DC heaters and darn near melted the transformer (what’s that smell?), but I digress. The only thing that I would do different next time was mentioned by AZ Gary; rotate the power tube (2A3 or 300B) base so the labels both read from the front of the amp. That way they really will be mirror images. A little more work but I’m still glad I did it.
Best regards, Chuck
- RE: Has anyone build mirror image Paramount?... - Nutube 07:12:17 10/14/07
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- In Reply to: RE: Has anyone build mirror image Paramount?... posted by adinoto on October 13, 2007 at 22:12:10
My 2A3 and Paramounts are build that way. All the other post are right.
For me the single most important thing were the tube pins. I mess up on one side with the 300B. Careful marking of the pins is important for the driver and the opt tube.
Some wires will be longer from one side to the other. To my ears sonically it was fine. Do apply basic good wiring routing principles. Mine were checked by a more experience audio buddy.
On the first attempt with the 2A3 I recall using photoshop to flip the circuit diagram 180 degrees - i.e. on one diagram the words and numbers are unreadable ; but at least you know which pin is which. If I were to do it again I might consider printing the circuit diagram on clear acetate ( they use to call them overhead projector cells)and they look at both side for reference. Maybe that was my personal best tool and I did not have any problem with that first attempt.
Its not that hard - Just got to be aware that not all things flip 180 in the way we might think it should. Results are fun. Do realize that when you go to trouble shoot one amp looks slightly different also
Check 3 times and solder once : ) Good luck
- RE: Has anyone build mirror image Paramount?... - Setting Son 06:48:54 10/14/07
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- In Reply to: RE: Has anyone build mirror image Paramount?... posted by adinoto on October 13, 2007 at 22:12:10
I built mine mirror imaged. Takes a bit more thought, especially when connecting the valve bases.
- RE: Has anyone build mirror image Paramount?... - Setting Son 06:51:18 10/14/07
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- In Reply to: RE: Has anyone build mirror image Paramount?... posted by Setting Son on October 14, 2007 at 06:48:54
Another pic.
- RE: Has anyone build mirror image Paramount?... - Setting Son 06:51:18 10/14/07
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- RE: Has anyone build mirror image Paramount?... - joegibney 06:45:54 10/14/07
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- In Reply to: RE: Has anyone build mirror image Paramount?... posted by adinoto on October 13, 2007 at 22:12:10
I built a pair of Paraglows mirrored. The only thing I didn't like was that one amp will use more wire than the other.
Joe
- RE: Has anyone build mirror image Paramount?... - AZ_Gary 22:28:13 10/13/07
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- In Reply to: RE: Has anyone build mirror image Paramount?... posted by adinoto on October 13, 2007 at 22:12:10
I've done it with two sets of Paramours and had no problems attributable to building as mirrors. Go slow and think about what you are doing. Follow the manual's suggestion to number each terminal point before you begin. I think the real secret is to build them in parallel. Do a few steps (3-5) on one and then do the same steps on the other. Choose groups of steps that are logical groupings. That will help you catch any differences immediately. As you begin each set of steps visualize what you are doing so you can pre-determine if there will be a routing problem. Routing problems should not be an issue. I would be very careful in cutting wires on the mirror version. The length requirements may be a little different. Plan ahead! You may have to put up with some unimportant awkwardness. For example on my Paramour IIs built as 45s the tube label on the tube base faces outward on one and inward on the other. In otherwords it isn't visible from the front of the amp.
Good luck and enjoy the process.
Gary
Vinyl and Film Forever
